Starbucks Pistachio Latte Nutrition Facts

The Starbucks Pistachio Latte is a seasonal favorite that blends the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with espresso, steamed milk, and a sweet, buttery topping. First introduced as a limited-time offering, it quickly gained popularity among coffee lovers for its unique taste and creamy texture. But how does this indulgent drink measure up in terms of nutrition?

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Starbucks Pistachio Latte nutrition facts, exploring its calorie count, sugar content, fat composition, and other key ingredients. We’ll also look at the various milk options available, how they impact the nutritional value, and provide tips for making this cozy winter drink a healthier choice.

Starbucks Pistachio Latte: What’s in It?

Before diving into the nutrition facts, let’s break down the ingredients that make up the Pistachio Latte. A standard Starbucks Pistachio Latte consists of:

Espresso – A strong, rich coffee base that provides caffeine and depth of flavor.
Steamed Milk – Traditionally made with 2% milk, but other milk options are available.
Pistachio Sauce – A sweet and nutty flavoring made with sugar, condensed skim milk, natural flavors, and pistachio essence.

Salted Brown Butter Topping – A buttery, sweet-salty topping sprinkled on top for extra indulgence.

Each of these ingredients contributes to the overall calorie, sugar, fat, and carbohydrate content of the drink.

Starbucks Pistachio Latte Nutrition Facts

The nutritional values of a Starbucks Pistachio Latte vary depending on the size and type of milk chosen. Below is a breakdown of the nutrition information for different sizes of this drink when made with 2% milk (the default option).

Tall (12 oz) Pistachio Latte – 2% Milk

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 210mg

Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 26g

Protein: 9g
Caffeine: 75mg

Grande (16 oz) Pistachio Latte – 2% Milk

Calories: 320

Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 270mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 37g
Protein: 12g

Caffeine: 150mg

Venti (20 oz) Pistachio Latte – 2% Milk

Calories: 400
Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Sodium: 330mg
Total Carbohydrates: 53g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 49g
Protein: 14g
Caffeine: 150mg

Impact of Different Milk Options

Starbucks allows customers to customize their Pistachio Latte by choosing alternative milk options, which significantly affect the nutritional content of the drink. Let’s take a look at how switching the milk affects calories, fat, and sugar content.

Pistachio Latte with Nonfat Milk

Calories: Reduces by about 30-40 calories per size
Total Fat: Significantly lower (around 0-1g)

Sugars: Slightly increased due to the absence of fat
Protein: Remains similar

Pistachio Latte with Almond Milk

Calories: Decreases by 40-60 calories

Total Fat: Lower (around 5-6g)
Sugars: Slightly reduced
Protein: Lower (since almond milk contains less protein than dairy milk)

Pistachio Latte with Oat Milk

Calories: Slightly higher due to the natural sugars in oat milk
Total Fat: Similar to 2% milk
Sugars: Slightly higher

Protein: Slightly lower than dairy milk but more than almond milk

Pistachio Latte with Soy Milk

Calories: Close to 2% milk
Total Fat: Lower

Sugars: Higher due to natural sugars in soy milk
Protein: Higher than oat or almond milk

Is the Starbucks Pistachio Latte Healthy?

The Starbucks Pistachio Latte is undoubtedly a delicious treat, but is it a healthy option? Let’s analyze its nutritional pros and cons.

Pros

✅ Good Source of Protein – With 9-14g of protein, it provides a small protein boost, especially with dairy milk options.
✅ Contains Caffeine – A moderate caffeine content (75-150mg) can help provide an energy boost.
✅ Customizable – Customers can choose lower-calorie or dairy-free options.

Cons

⚠ High in Sugar – A Grande Pistachio Latte contains 37g of sugar, which exceeds the recommended daily intake for added sugars.
⚠ High in Calories – A Venti size has 400 calories, making it more of a dessert than a casual coffee drink.
⚠ Contains Processed Ingredients – The pistachio sauce and brown butter topping contain added sugars, artificial flavors, and stabilizers.

How to Make a Healthier Starbucks Pistachio Latte

If you love the Pistachio Latte but want to reduce calories, sugar, or fat, here are a few simple modifications:

1. Order a Smaller Size

A Tall (12 oz) Pistachio Latte has fewer calories and sugar than a Grande or Venti.

2. Opt for Sugar-Free or Less Syrup

Request “half the syrup” to cut down on sugar.
Unfortunately, Starbucks doesn’t offer a sugar-free pistachio syrup, but you can ask for fewer pumps of flavoring.

3. Choose a Lower-Calorie Milk

Nonfat milk reduces calories and fat significantly.
Almond milk is the lowest-calorie dairy-free option.

4. Skip the Brown Butter Topping

While it adds flavor, the salted brown butter topping contains extra sugar and fat.

5. Make It an Iced Latte

An Iced Pistachio Latte has fewer calories because it contains more ice and less milk.

The Starbucks Pistachio Latte is a delicious, nutty, and creamy winter beverage that many coffee lovers look forward to each year. However, it is relatively high in calories, sugar, and fat, making it more of an indulgence than an everyday drink.

By choosing a smaller size, reducing syrup, selecting a lower-calorie milk, and skipping the topping, you can still enjoy the flavors of the Pistachio Latte while keeping it a bit healthier.

Would you still go for the classic, full-flavored version, or would you try a healthier twist? Either way, this seasonal favorite is sure to bring warmth and comfort during the colder months! ☕🌰

DIY Starbucks Pistachio Latte Recipe: A Healthier Homemade Version

If you love the Starbucks Pistachio Latte but want a more affordable or healthier alternative, making your own version at home is a great option. This DIY recipe allows you to control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and use healthier substitutes while still enjoying the rich, nutty, and creamy flavor.

Ingredients for a Homemade Pistachio Latte

To make a delicious homemade pistachio latte, you’ll need:

For the Pistachio Syrup

½ cup pistachios (unsalted, shelled)
1 cup water
½ cup sugar (or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Latte

1-2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
1 cup milk (2%, oat, almond, or any preferred milk)

¼ teaspoon butter extract (optional, for a buttery taste)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for additional sweetness)
A pinch of sea salt

For the Topping (Optional, but Delicious!)

1 teaspoon crushed pistachios
A light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
Foamed milk for a creamy texture

How to Make a Starbucks Pistachio Latte at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Syrup

Blend the Pistachios – In a blender or food processor, grind the pistachios until finely chopped.
Make the Syrup – In a small saucepan, heat the water and sugar until dissolved. Add the ground pistachios and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Strain the Syrup – Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the pistachio solids, leaving behind a smooth, nutty syrup.

Add Vanilla – Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and let it cool.

Step 2: Brew the Espresso or Coffee

Brew 1-2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine or a strong cup of coffee using a French press or drip coffee maker.

Step 3: Steam or Heat the Milk

If you have a milk frother, use it to steam and foam the milk.

If you don’t, simply heat the milk in a saucepan until warm (but not boiling) and use a whisk or blender to create a frothy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Latte

Pour the brewed espresso or coffee into a mug.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of pistachio syrup, adjusting to taste.

Stir in the butter extract and a tiny pinch of salt for a rich, creamy flavor.
Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and gently mix.
Top with foamed milk, crushed pistachios, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Healthier Modifications for a Low-Calorie Pistachio Latte

If you’re looking to make this drink even healthier, try the following swaps:

✅ Use a Sugar Substitute – Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or erythritol to cut back on added sugars.

✅ Choose a Low-Calorie Milk – Almond milk or nonfat milk reduces calories and fat compared to whole milk or 2% milk.

✅ Limit the Pistachio Syrup – Using less syrup (1 tablespoon instead of 2) can lower the sugar content while still giving you the nutty taste.

✅ Skip the Topping – Eliminating crushed pistachios or butter topping can reduce unnecessary calories.

✅ Use Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk – This gives the latte a naturally sweet flavor without added sugar.

Comparing Starbucks vs. Homemade Pistachio Latte

Category	Starbucks Pistachio Latte (Grande, 16oz)	Homemade Pistachio Latte (with Almond Milk)
Calories	~320 calories	~120-150 calories
Total Sugar	~37g sugar	~10-15g sugar
Fat	~12g fat	~4-6g fat
Protein	~12g protein	~3-6g protein
Caffeine	150mg	75-150mg (depends on espresso)
Customization	Limited	Fully customizable

As you can see, a homemade Pistachio Latte can be significantly lower in calories, sugar, and fat while still tasting delicious. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, so you can adjust the flavors and health benefits to your liking.

Other Starbucks Drinks Similar to the Pistachio Latte

If you enjoy the Pistachio Latte, here are a few other Starbucks drinks you might love:

1. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

A rich, creamy holiday drink featuring espresso, white chocolate sauce, steamed milk, and whipped cream.

Similar to the Pistachio Latte in terms of sweetness and creaminess.

2. Chestnut Praline Latte

Made with espresso, steamed milk, and chestnut praline syrup, topped with spiced praline crumbs.
Has a nutty and buttery flavor profile, similar to the Pistachio Latte.

3. Caramel Brûlée Latte

A sweet, caramel-infused espresso drink topped with whipped cream and brûlée bits.
Perfect for those who love rich, dessert-like lattes.

4. Honey Almondmilk Flat White

A lighter and less sweet alternative with honey and almond milk for a subtly nutty taste.

Great for those looking for a lower-sugar, dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try the Starbucks Pistachio Latte?

The Starbucks Pistachio Latte is a decadent, cozy drink that offers a delicious blend of nutty, buttery, and sweet flavors. However, its high sugar and calorie content make it more of an occasional treat rather than an everyday coffee choice.

If you’re a pistachio lover and enjoy creamy, dessert-like lattes, this is definitely worth a try! But if you’re looking for a healthier, lower-calorie option, consider ordering a modified version at Starbucks or making your own at home.